5 new casinos approved in Illinois by senate committee

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - An Illinois Senate committee has approved a measure calling for five new casinos and thousands of slots at Chicago's airports.

The Senate Executive Committee voted 10-4 Wednesday to move the bill to the full Senate. The measure authorizes casinos in Chicago, Rockford, Danville, Chicago's south suburbs and Lake County.

It would also allow casino licensees to apply for an online gambling license.

The profits generated from the expansion would be allocated to education. That's an idea Gov. Pat Quinn hinted he'd support during Wednesday's budget speech. Quinn recently vetoed two gambling expansions, calling for more ethical protections.

The internet profits would be split with some going toward the state's public pension systems.

The proposal authorizes slot machines at Midway and O'Hare international airports.